Whilst visiting the recent Springfield show, I purchased a QSI Revolution A decoder with the intention of fitting it into a Kato SD90 Mac. The very helpful guy at Tony's Train Exchange programmed in my requirements as I wanted a CP horn etc.,
Got back home to the U.K and fitted it with no problems, got the power on and fitted the QSI mini oval speaker above the front light pipe, all went to plan, the sound is fantastic.
I then wired in the ditch lights as per the instructions with 1.5v 15ma 1.2 mm bulbs ( no resistors required ) one lead of the left ditch light to output 3 and one lead of the right ditch light to output 4, the two remaining leads go to the +5 terminal.
However, this where the problem starts, the right ditch light works fine the left one does not.Not a flicker. I removed the bulb and tested it with a 1.5 v battery and it was working O.K. I put it back into the decoder and still nothing on output 3. I also did a system reset but still no joy.
So my problem is, short of removing the decoder and sending it back across the pond to Vermont is there any way that I can overcome this problem. There two other outputs on the decoder,outputs 5&6 but they are for a mars light and a flashing beacon for those loco,s that require them.
My question therefore is can I reconfigure one of these spare outputs to use as a ditch light???
If anyone as any ideas I would like hear from them. I have sent an e-mail to Tony's but after a week I have not, as yet had a reply. CPPedler
If you haven't already done so, download the QSI Technical Reference Manual from here and make usre you have the decoder programmed for ditch lights as per the instructions contained in Section 5.7.7.
Are the ditch lights incandescent bulbs and not LEDs? If they are LEDs, then polarity is important, and you have to get the wires connected right. If they're backwards, you will get no light.
I'm not sure about this decoder, but in most cases you can re-program a couple of CVs to switch an output function from one activity to another.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasleyAre the ditch lights incandescent bulbs and not LEDs?
Are the ditch lights incandescent bulbs and not LEDs?
If you read the OP's question, he says they are 1.5V, 15mA, 1.2mm BULBS and not LEDs.
Hello Cacole,
I've read through the extensive section that deals with lights and I can find nothing regarding reconfiguring the 5&6 outputs. This makes me wonder if it is either not possble to change the outputs function or you need the Quantum Programmer interface to do it. CPPedler
I have never used a Quantum Programmer, but think it is only for downloading and changing the sounds in the decoder using a computer. You should be able to perform function mapping with your regular DCC system, but I don't understand why the ditch light functions are not working as is.
If Tony doesn't answer your question you might try addressing it to Ulrich Models and see if they can help you solve the problem. They do all types of custom installs and have a lot of experience with the many different brands of decoders and DCC systems.
Even though you didn't purchase the decoder from them, they may be willing to provide advice.
http://www.ulrichmodels.biz
davidmbedard As it stands, the Revolution only supports remapping with the uploading of a new scheme. There are no current CVs that will remap for you.....yet. David B
As it stands, the Revolution only supports remapping with the uploading of a new scheme. There are no current CVs that will remap for you.....yet.
David B
This confuses me. I have the QSI programmer and although I have not done any remapping, it looks to me like it could be done using the QSI software (Quantum CV Manager) or using JRMI Decoder Pro. Decoder Pro works fine with the QSI Programmer.
" I have never used a Quantum Programmer, but think it is only for downloading and changing the sounds in the decoder using a computer."
As I said, with the Programmer and CV manager or Decoder Pro you can manage ALL CVs.
Send email to Josh Shedaker at QSI, he has helped me several times. josh@amhobby.com
This is a quote from the QSI site:
"Light ports are user configurable.The lights for 2 ports are fixed: Front Headlight, Rear Headlight.The user can select lights for the remaining 4 ports from this list:"
The list details all the other available light functions.
FWIW, I would stick with questions to Tonys Trains or Josh at QSI.
Wonder how many people ever noticed that Tony's Train Exchange, QSI and American Hobby Distributors ALL have the same address:
57 River Rd, Suite 1023Essex Jct VT 05452
steve58 FWIW, I would stick with questions to Tonys Trains or Josh at QSI. Wonder how many people ever noticed that Tony's Train Exchange, QSI and American Hobby Distributors ALL have the same address: 57 River Rd, Suite 1023Essex Jct VT 05452
QSI Solutions - the aftermarket distributor, not QSI the guys who actually build them (Pat Quinn and his partner Fred Severson). Yes, it's all Tony & Co. DCC Specialties is another spinoff. They never really made an attempt to hide it, they posted press releases when they formed AHD and when they took over QSI Solutions.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I use the Quantum programmer for mine. With the programmer you can change the output of all the FX features. It took me awhile to figure it out but after I did it became simple. If you plan on getting more QSI decoders I would recommend the programmer. It is a great device for setting up your decoder and being able to test the results. I don't think you can program the light outputs with Decoder Pro and I am sure that your problem is in the programming as I had a similar issue setting up an overhead beacon using F3.
I have Digitrax, Soundtraxx, QSI and MRC decoders and QSI is my favorite with Soundtraxx not far behind.
Cheers, Joe
By default:
Ouput 3 should be the left ditch
Output 4 should be the right ditch.
Do you have the lights set to strobe automatically when the horn is pressed? Have you attached a volt meter to the output when you do that?
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Thankyou Steve 58, I think as it is a new decoder I will stick with your suggestion and go back to Josh as it was him who programmed it in the first place and see what the outcome is. Thanks for all the help and I will keep you posted as to the result. CPPedler
My apologies for adding to the confusion. David B is correct. You must have the Programmer and modify the firmware to change the light ports.
This page has info:
http://www.qsisolutions.com/products/techinfo/revolution/q-revo_cfg_light_ports.html
It's usually easier to give Tony's a call on their 800 number, but with the time difference that might be a problem. They are open from 9-5 Monday - Friday.
800-978-3472
I help out at Springfield and operate at the same club as some of the Tony's guys including Josh.
CPPedler / Anyone-
Can I ask which speaker you got and whether you had to make any modifications to make it fit? I have 2 Kato SD80s that I'd like to add sound to but I'm aprehensive about doing any modifications?
Hi elansp,
I used a small oval speaker from Tony's together with the appropriate enclosure ( this is the first time I have seen a ready made enclosure for a rectangular shaped speaker).
I put it above the front headlight, light tube just behind the cab, there is just enough space for it sit there and initially with the speaker facing down but, as I didn't want to fix it in position permanently, I found that when it sat on the track the speaker slid down and was sitting on top of the light tube and causing sound distortion so I turned the enclosure over so the speaker was facing upwards and no problems now.
The only mod to the body was to remove the two spigots that were mounted in the roof of the body shell and did not appear to have any function. I assume that the Kato SD80 would be the same inside the body shell, I hope that this of help to you. CPPedler
CPPedler Hi elansp, I used a small oval speaker from Tony's together with the appropriate enclosure ( this is the first time I have seen a ready made enclosure for a rectangular shaped speaker). I put it above the front headlight, light tube just behind the cab, there is just enough space for it sit there and initially with the speaker facing down but, as I didn't want to fix it in position permanently, I found that when it sat on the track the speaker slid down and was sitting on top of the light tube and causing sound distortion so I turned the enclosure over so the speaker was facing upwards and no problems now.
To clarify ?? Your speaker's front face is now pointed into the 'enclosure' attached to the roof of the shell, and the sound is being generated at its backside into the shell and out the truck vents??
In cross reference:http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/148086.aspx
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration